Ron Martinsen's Photography Blog

Showing posts with label 16-50mm. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

REVIEW: Sony a6300 with Sony 16-70mm f/4 Lens (Part I of II)–The best Sony AF ever?

Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)

I really loved the a6000, so when I heard the 6300 would add a significantly improved autofocus system, a viewfinder with twice the resolution, 4k video and an improved burst mode I got excited – very excited.

f/4 @ 51mm for 1/200 sec at ISO 100
Unpredictable subjects are no problem for the a6300 – with eye AF lock, it just gets the shots with no hassle or skill required

You can see the full-comparison with the a6000 here at B&H, but the biggest thing that caught my attention was the improved AF. I won’t beat around the bush as I can’t hold back my enthusiasm – yes, this AF system is legit – the hype is justified. In fact my favorite feature on the a7R II was it’s incredible AF but it still had its flaws. So far in my early testing, this cameras AF system seems to have leap frogged all other Sony cameras I’ve tested – including the a7R II which is saying a lot.

f/4 @ 70mm for 1/640 sec at ISO 100

My eyes also perceive a better dynamic range for the shots I’ve taken so far.There are rarely hot spots and even tough colors like bright yellow and red render faithfully to what my eyes witnessed in real life – much like (but to a lesser extent) than I observed with the a7R II

In the hand everything feels pretty much the same as the a6000, so if you want my thoughts on any of that see my a6000 review. Suffice it to say, this s a very small camera but usable – although I still find myself wishing it had one more dial and a joystick.

A Good Lens Returns

Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens

I was very satisfied with this lens in my a6000 review so I decided to stick with it again. I have no regrets with that decision as the OSS performed admirably and the AF system performance didn’t seem to be hampered by this lens in any way.

Real World Shots

People don’t read manuals and they rarely take time to learn how to use their cameras, so when I test I like to have a combo of brain dead shooting (like many would do with cell phones) sprinkled with some serious shooting where I actually dial in all settings manually. This results in what I call real world shots because they are unplanned, unedited shots that just occur during the course of everyday life.

I hope you enjoy them compared to the heavily processed shots found elsewhere as they more closely represent what real people will really get out of this camera if they were to take it home and use it themselves.

The shots below and elsewhere in this article are completely unedited in-camera JPEG’s that feature camera defaults unless otherwise noted. These images may be viewed when reading this article, but you may not print, edit, modify, redistribute, etc… any of these images in any way. They are copyright Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved.

Click the photos to see full-size, unedited original in-camera JPEG’s.

Click here to get a full gallery of images taken while I was reviewing this camera..

f/4 @ 70mm for 1/1600 sec at ISO 100
Literally my first shot with camera default settings seconds after it was unboxed. I think the fly was vibrating too much for the 1/600 sec shutter speed, but it nailed the focus otherwise. Oh and how about that dynamic range and color!!

f/4 @ 34mm for 1/160 sec at ISO 1600
Seconds later with full auto mode, again perfect eye focus – this is cell phone easy to operate – and look how clean for ISO 1600!!!

f/4 @ 17mm for 1/160 sec at ISO 400
With a baby waving a toy around and Ara’s slender Asian eyes at an angle, I figure there was no chance of acquiring focus so I went to full auto (aka “mom”) mode – it nailed it

f/4 @ 44mm for 1/80 sec at ISO 2000
I’ve taken this shot thousands of times when unboxing new cameras to review, and with zero time to get to know this camera it nails a perfect shot thanks to the eye tracking auto focus

f/4 @ 34mm for 1/250 sec at ISO 800
Ara pretty much sums up about how I feel about the Sony eye tracking autofocus – WOW! All cameras should have this! How on earth it can track her squinting Asian eyes?!!!!

f/4 @ 19mm for 1/640 sec at ISO 100
The viewfinder accurately represented what I captured, but it was a little washed out compared to the luscious saturated image I got using default settings and auto white balance

f/4 @ 19mm for 1/800 sec at ISO 100
Puke – I went to shade white balance and vivid and almost barfed when I saw the result! This is definitely no Fujifilm in this respect, so I’ll be sticking with auto white balance and standard

f/4 @ 70mm for 1/1250 sec at ISO 100
Look at how sharp this is? It’s one of those “remind me why I need a DSLR anymore” shots that makes me feel stupid for not switching over to the Sony camp!
Pixel peepers might like this version better.

f/4 @ 44mm for 1/320 sec at ISO 100
No flash, no manual adjustments to exposure or metering – it just handles backlighting brilliantly

f/4 @ 35mm for 1/200 sec at ISO 100
The trees in the background are blown out a little more than I would have hoped for but that’s only because this camera was doing so well everywhere else I started mentally comparing it to the a7RII which definitely isn’t fair. This is a testimony to how good the a6300 is though that I would even consider them to be in the same league!

f/4 @ 51mm for 1/250 sec at ISO 100
Dappled light is usually creates unrecoverable hotspots for cameras of this price range, but even the in-camera JPEG wasn’t entirely blown out. In fact the hottest hot spots in this shot were only 242 on the threshold layer in Photoshop – that’s HDR composite performance!

f/4 @ 25mm for 1/200 sec at ISO 100

f/4 @ 39mm for 1/125 sec at ISO 100
For fun I decided to test f/4 vs f/5.6 vs f/11 vs f/22. See below for the others.

f/5.6 @ 39mm for 1/60 sec at ISO 100
Sharp with slightly more depth of field, the f/5. shot was probably the best of the bunch

f/11 @ 39mm for 1/60 sec at ISO 400
Despite the sensor size, f/11 does extremely well. I’d definitely consider this a usable aperture on this camera, which is more than I can say for some DSLR’s with similarly priced lenses.

f/22 @ 39mm for 1/60 sec at ISO 1600
Diffraction and lens softness result in a f/22 shot that feels more like f/4 but without the sharpness. I’d probably never go past f/11 in real world usage of this camera and lens combo.

f/4 @ 21mm for 1/100 sec at ISO 100
The a6300 holds it own with any APS-C class sensor out there and in many ways exceeds the competition. Even wide open, the sharpness at the edges and smooth bokeh was admirable.

f/11 @ 20mm for 1/60 sec at ISO 500
Again at f/11 and this is a very solid shot with great depth of field and sharpness that beats many camera and lens combos costing twice as much

f/4 @ 35mm for 1/100 sec at ISO 100
This camera kept taunting me as it performed very well at pretty much everything I threw at it on my first real day of testing.I kept thinking “wow, I’d love one of these”

Click here to get a full gallery of images taken while I was reviewing this camera..

Conclusion

Click here to read part II and my conclusion.

Where to order

Click here to learn more or order at the B&H web site.

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

PRE-ORDER: Fujifilm X-A1, 16-50mm and 50-230mm lens released

Fujifilm X-A1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens

FUJIFILM LAUNCHES THE X-A1, AN ENTRY-LEVEL CSC FEATURING

A 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS SENSOR AND POWERFUL EXR PROCESSOR II

New X-A1 offers entry into the premium X-Series while delivering outstanding image quality, modern design, sharp 3” tilting LCD screen and wireless image transfer

Valhalla, N.Y., September 17, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X-A1 compact system camera (CSC), the fourth interchangeable lens system camera introduced within the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Series. The ultra-light

X-A1 gives consumers an affordable entry point into the X-Series line of digital cameras and delivers outstanding image quality using its large 16.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, easy operation and wireless image transfer for quick photo sharing.

Fujifilm X-A1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens (Indigo Blue)

The FUJIFILM X-A1 kit will ship with the FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm)*¹ F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens. The XC16-50mm is a versatile lens that is ideal for a wide range of photographic subjects, including clear low-light scenes, beautiful portraits and vivid landscapes. The lens consists of 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element. The lens features seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV increments for precise aperture control.

“The lightweight X-A1 and versatile XC16-50mm lens combination gives consumers extraordinary value and the opportunity to experience the outstanding image quality that the X-Series is known for,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Together with a high definition tilting screen and wireless image transfer, consumers of all skill levels can capture truly memorable images that can also be shared on Facebook and Twitter quickly and easily.”

Large 16.3 Megapixel APS-C sensor and EXR Processor II

The FUJIFILM X-A1 uses an APS-C sensor and powerful EXR Processor II that captures rich tones, breath-taking dynamic range and stunning low-light images using its extended ISO range of up to 25600. With the X-A1, users can set the sensor sensitivity from ISO200 to as high as ISO6400 in 1/3 step increments, to obtain remarkably clear images even when shooting indoors and at night.

Together with the EXR Processor II, the X-A1 also gives customers fantastic speed with a start-up time of 0.5 seconds*², a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds and a maximum burst speed of 5.6 frames per second (max. 30 frames*³).

Compact performance and advanced features

The X-A1 CSC combines advanced features in a go-anywhere design. The X-A1 weighs just 11.6oz*⁴ and is about a third of the size of a traditional DSLR body. With a slim profile of 1.3” at its trimmest point, the X-A1 is easily carried anywhere.

The X-A1 also features a 3” tilting high resolution LCD screen with 920,000 dots for easy image viewing and framing at various angles. The 3” LCD monitor tilts at variable vertical angles, facilitating both low-angle and high-angle shots whether on or off a tripod.

The X-A1 uses a built-in high precision flash, with the guide number 7*⁵, and Super Intelligent Flash technology that uses scene recognition and automatically controls flash strength to reduce highlight clipping.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi^® button

The X-A1 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high quality photos and movies*6 to social media sites for easy sharing from the camera to smartphones, tablets and computers.

To connect the X-A1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the X-A1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Intuitive design and easy operation

The X-A1 has its key operation buttons and dials positioned on the right side of the camera’s rear panel for easy use and quick picture taking. The Mode Dial for selecting the optimum setting for each scene gives access to the Advanced SR Auto function, which automatically recognizes each scene and selects the best settings for sharp and clear images.

The Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

FUJINON XC50-230mm (76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS

Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS Lens

The all new FUJINON XC50-230mm (76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS lens adds even more versatility to the X-Series line of compact system cameras by offering an expanded zoom range that delivers consistently outstanding optical performance throughout. The XC50-230mm uses optical image stabilization to ensure superb performance and effectively reduces blur when shooting at longer focal lengths and in low light.

FUJIFILM X-A1 key features list:

16.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
EXR Processor II
- Start-up time of 0.5
- Shutter lag time of 0.05
- Shooting interval time of 0.7
3” (920K dot) tilting high resolution LCD screen
Full range of ISO100 – ISO25600
Wireless image transfer
Q Menu shortcut button
In-camera RAW processing
Film Simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia, and Black & White)
8 Advanced Filters (Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color)
Multiple Exposure mode to superimpose a second exposure on the first exposure
Full HD movie 1080P\30fps and built-in stereo microphone

Available accessories include: Leather Case, Hand Grip, and Clip-on Flash

FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS

· 24-76mm equivalent F3.5-5.6 lens

· Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount

· 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element

· Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV steps

FUJINON XC50-230mm (76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS

· 76-350mm equivalent F4.5-6.7 lens

· Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount

· 13 all glass elements in 10 groups including 1 aspherical lens and 1 ED element

· Optical image stabilization that minimizes blur at longer focal lengths and in low light

· A precision stepping motor for high-speed autofocusing

· Available in black and silver

The FUJIFILM X-A1 and XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS lens (kit) will be available in September 2013 for $599.95 in black and indigo blue.

The FUJINON XC50-230mm (76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS lens will be available in November 2013 for $399.95.

The FUJIFILM X-A1 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1, X-E1 and X-M1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses will work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.

The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:

*1 35mm format equivalent

*2 Quick Start mode

*3 Maximum number of frames can be shot in JPEG setting, using a “Class 10” or higher SD card

*4 Including the battery and memory card, excluding the lens

*5 ISO200・m; When shooting at ISO200, the light reaches a subject up to (7/F number) meters away

*6 FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.